Consequences of Stress on Children's Development

     I recall a relative that grew up in a violent environment as a child. I was not allowed to visit this part of my family in Birmingham, Alabama too often because her parents would physically fight each other all the time. I even witnessed the fighting during a visit. I remember crying and hugging my cousin while we listened in her bedroom. I was afraid because of the language and loud noises from items being thrown around the house. My cousin was tough though, she would say, "They do that all the time", as if it were a normal part of her household. When I my cousin stayed with us one summer I was so happy to see her and had a lot of fun stuff planned for us to do! I quickly realized that I wanted my cousin to go back home shortly after she arrived. She was so mean and angry all the time! She would pick arguments with my friends and me. She even had the nerve to be selfish with toys. My cousin and I fought for the first time which broke my heart. I did not understand why she was so hateful. My grandmother noticed the distance between us because my cousin went home earlier then planned. Thinking back I remember after all of the fussing we did, we both cried like babies when she had to go. We did keep in touch via telephone and letters. Through the years my cousin coped with the stress of violence by being sexually active at an early age and drinking alcohol. She had a baby at the age of fifteen that was given up for adoption and she dropped out of high school. Her parents eventually divorced and her mother remarried. My cousin is now in her forties but she looks older then she should. She still drinks alcohol even though her health is not the best. She is employed and seems to enjoy her job. Family continues to offer support and encourage her to take better care of her health, but I have learned the people will not make a change in their life until THEY are ready to do so.

Violence against children in Germany

     "In Germany the law states that children are protected by local authorities who act as 'watchmen', this means that the authorities may be provided with "tips" from a neighbor or doctor if child abuse is suspected. It is often difficult for the German authorities to collect evidence because family members and victims are reluctant to report abuse". (Wolfgang, D. / ng) A popular case in Germany prompted the German government to speed up law improvements on child abuse and pedophiles where a 28-year-old stepdaughter reported after 20 years of sexual abuse that she was raped by her stepfather and birthed 8 children that he fathered.
     "The German government will introduce stricter legislation for sex offenders where they will be checked by the police randomly at will. The government will also provide more training for child protective officers. This rule will apply nationwide not just in some regions as is the case at present".(Wolfgang, D./ng)

References

 

http://www.dw.de/in-light-of-abuse-scandal-Germany-steps-up-child-protection/a-148461

Child Development and Public Health

     Breastfeeding is meaningful to me because I truly believe that it allows the mother to not only bond with her child but the mother provides the greatest source of nourishment needed for the baby naturally. I breastfed both of my daughters, Franqui and Dejah. I fed Dejah a little longer (9 months) than Franqui because Franqui did not cooperate and she would bite! Those of you whom breastfeed know what that feels like---Ouch!! I enjoyed breastfeeding because it empowered me in such a way that I knew I was nurturing them and protecting their growing bodies. I knew that I was giving them all that they needed based on the results of their physical check-ups and how Big they were growing! I love to see a healthy baby. Yes, breastfed babies are huge babies but they are happy, rarely sick, and healthy. Everything they need is provided by the mother at no cost. It is also a great time to interact with your child and get your figure back!

     In another part of the world I discovered that South Africa has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world due to distributed formula at no cost by public health bodies and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, (Kenny, S. et. al, 2014). Therefore, mix-feeding (feeding formula, breast milk, water or other liquids to infants under six months) and food is given to infants under six months as well during the most important time of their development.

     In Cameroon Africa breastfeeding to discouraged according to the following: 1) pressure from the village elders because it is traditional practice to supplement. 2) belief that breast milk is an incomplete food. 3) taboo of prohibiting sexual contact during breastfeeding. (Kakute, PN et. al, July-Aug. 2005).

     Professionally, I will continue to encourage mothers to breastfeed their infants for as long as their bodies will produce milk and within their comfort zone. Children are my business and I will remain an advocate their health and developmental success in this world.

Please take a look at these articles:

Cultural barriers to exclusive breastfeeding by mothers in a rural area of Cameroon, Africa. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15973270

Rebranding Breastmilk: Social Marketing in South Africa. https://onthinktanks.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/soth-africa-community  

    

Childbirth In My Life and Around the World

     I am fortunate to have experienced and witnessed the birth of my friend's (Irma) daughter Jasmine, nineteen years ago. I was so excited because I wanted see everything about giving birth up close and personal! Irma's husband and myself were allowed in the delivery room. Irma received an epidermal and was in labor for about ten hours. While she was dilating I remember rubbing her back and talking to her. Marshall was kind of standing in the background so I took over...sorry Marshall. I think he was nervous. I continued to sooth Irma as best I could and at times I would make Irma laugh, but at one point she said, "Stop Lita this hurts"! I think she was having a contraction. Finally, it was time for Irma to push the baby out and I was front and center. I could see the baby moving toward Irma's vagina and then the baby's head popped out! I remember jumping and saying, "Girl, your thing is big! Everyone in the delivery room laughed doctor and nurse included. It was such an emotional moment when Jasmine was pulled from her mother, eyes wide opened, umbilical cord attached and once her nose and mouth were suctioned with a syringe, Jasmine cried, Irma cried and I cried! It was amazing! Jasmine was cleaned and given to Irma. I remember seeing the placenta which looked like a big piece of liver with veins all over, it was gross! I asked the doctor what was going to be done with the placenta because there was a hypodermic needle inserted. The doctor explained that the fluid from the placenta would be analyzed, I do not remember for what exactly. Needless to say Jasmine is a beautiful nineteen year old young woman that probably does not remember me since I have not seen my friend Irma for a while. I will however always have the memory of Jasmine's first day of life.
    
     I learned that in Korea there are some differences during the delivery process compared to the United States. These differences are not that much of a shock but they are normal in their culture. Korean births are not always in a private room so there is very little privacy, even in higher end private hospitals, one must ask and pay an extra fee if they desire a private room. Traditionally, the fathers are not present during the delivery and the doctor and other medical personnel are not accustomed to being asked questions because it is not normal practice in Korea to explain what is going to happen or to answer questions regarding the delivery process.